Let’s read through the book of Hebrews one verse at a time in 2023. Every day explore a single verse and its cross references. AI-generated text draws the passages together. RSS feed.
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son,
These cross references all relate to the theme of testing and trials. They show how Abraham's faith was tested when he was asked to offer up his son Isaac, and how this event serves as an example of how faith is tested through trials. They also show how faith is strengthened and rewarded through these tests, as Abraham was rewarded for his obedience and faithfulness. Finally, they emphasize the importance of patient endurance, as God will use trials to test and strengthen our faith.
| Passage | How It’s Related (AI-Generated) |
|---|---|
| Genesis 22:1-12: After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.” | Both passages refer to the same story of Abraham's faith and obedience to God. Hebrews 11:17 highlights Abraham's faith and commitment to God, as he was willing to offer up his only son Isaac. Genesis 22:1-12 gives the full account of what happened when God tested Abraham, and how Abraham responded in obedience to God's command to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham's faith and obedience is an example of what it means to live a life of faith in God. |
| Genesis 22:16: and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, | Both passages discuss the story of Abraham offering up his son Isaac. Hebrews 11:17 describes Abraham's faith in God and his willingness to offer up his only son, Isaac. Genesis 22:16 speaks of God's response to Abraham's faith, in which He declares that He has sworn because Abraham has done this and not withheld his son. |
| James 2:21-24: Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. | Both passages discuss Abraham's faith and how it was demonstrated through his works. Hebrews 11:17 talks about how Abraham was willing to offer up his son Isaac as a sacrifice, a display of his faith in God and His promises. James 2:21-24 explains that Abraham's faith was not only demonstrated through his works, but also that his faith was made complete by them, and he was counted as righteous because of it. |
| 1 Peter 1:6-7: In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. | Both passages speak to the value of faith in the face of trials. In Hebrews 11:17, Abraham is tested by God's command to offer up his son Isaac, and by faith he is willing to do so. In 1 Peter 1:6–7, the author speaks of various trials that can grieve us, but these tests can reveal the genuineness of our faith, which is more precious than gold. This faith can lead to praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. |
| 1 Peter 4:12: Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. | Both passages speak to the idea of faith being tested. In Hebrews 11:17, Abraham's faith was tested when he was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. In 1 Peter 4:12, believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith when they are tested. The passage in Hebrews 11:17 shows how Abraham's faith was tested and ultimately proven in his willingness to sacrifice his son, while the passage in 1 Peter 4:12 encourages believers to have the same faith in God when they are tested. |
| Revelation 3:10: Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. | Both passages discuss the importance of faith in the face of testing. Hebrews 11:17 speaks of how Abraham, when tested, offered up his son Isaac in faith, trusting that God would fulfill his promises. Revelation 3:10 speaks of how God will keep his people from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, if they have kept his word about patient endurance. Both passages emphasize how faith and trust in God are essential in order to pass the tests of life. |
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your faithfulness and Your goodness. We thank You for the example of Abraham, who trusted You even when it meant offering up his only son Isaac. We thank You for the reminder that faith is not just a feeling or an emotion, but a tangible action that can be seen in our lives.
Help us to trust You even in the midst of trials and tests. Give us the courage to stand firm in our faith, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. Help us to be patient in the midst of our struggles and to remember that You are in control.
We ask that You would protect us from the coming hour of trial that is coming upon the world. Help us to remain strong in our faith and to use our trials as an opportunity to glorify You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
This reading plan reads through a single verse each day, six days a week, paired with the most-popular cross references for the verse. AI-generated (and human-reviewed) text provides an opening thought and concluding prayer along with an explanation for how each cross reference relates to the verse. In 2023, this reading plan works through Hebrews one verse at a time. Every seventh day is a catchup day. Want more info? Try this blog post.
Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com.